Touch panel device, portable terminal, position detecting method, and recording medium

ABSTRACT

A touch panel device that detects a touch input at a touch panel including a plurality of electrodes arrayed in X and Y directions, calculates a width corresponding an object approaching the touch panel based on an output distribution of capacitance values from the touch panel, and determines whether an input operation corresponding to the object is valid based on the calculated width of the object.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/596,762 filed on Feb. 9,2012, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a touch panel device which can detectthat an object such as a finger or the like is near on a screen wheresensors have been arrayed (includes the object touching. Hereafter alsocalled “touch”.), portable terminal, position detecting method, andrecording medium.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, touch panel devices that can be operated by an operatordirectly touching a screen while images are displayed on the screen havebeen known, and such a touch panel device is often used in a portableinformation processing terminal such as a PDA (Personal DigitalAssistant), cellular phone terminal, Smartphone, or the like (hereaftercalled “portable terminal”) and various types of home electronic devicesand the like. A touch panel device has a touch panel unit to detect anobject approaching the surface. Types of touch panel units include aresistor film method that detects resistor value changes to a touchedportion, a capacitance type that detects capacitance changes to thetouched portion, an electromagnetic conduction method to detect theposition of an instruction body with the electromagnetic energy of aninstruction body dedicated to emitting a magnetic field, and so forth.Recently, use of capacitance-type touch panel units have increased,particularly in the cellular phone terminal and Smartphone markets.

With conventional portable terminals, a display unit that displaysimages and icons and so forth on a screen, and a touch panel unit thatthe user performs touching operations on by using a finger or stylus penor the like, are formed on the same face. For example, in the event ofimaging a subject, the user touches an icon or the like to execute acamera application, and upon having activated the imaging function,touches the icons or the like displayed on the touch panel unit toperform photographing operation of a subject while viewing the displayunit.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 7-306752describes a technique to detect input operations in a touch regionwherein a double-touch has been performed in error at a differentlocation on the touch panel unit, based on position information obtainedfrom a touch area having a smaller area.

SUMMARY

Recently touch panel devices have been provided wherein multiple pointsare detected and operations enabled even if multiple locations on thetouch panel unit are touched simultaneously. Therefore, the technique ofselecting one active location from multiple touched locations such asdisclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.7-306752 has become less effective.

The touch panel unit is disposed over a wide range on the display panelof the portable terminal. Therefore, if the touch panel portion isdisposed to the edge of the portable terminal, unintended input can bemade just by the user gripping the edge of the portable terminal orpicking up the portable terminal. However, with a touch panel deviceenabled with multiple point detection, if the opportunity for erroneousoperation increases such as another application starting when anapplication is already being executed or a running application endingdue to unintended operations, operability is lost.

Therefore, the inventor has recognized the necessity of determiningwhether the input operation performed by an object approaching the touchpanel is an operation that the user has intended.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch paneldevice is provided that detects a touch input at a touch panel includinga plurality of electrodes arrayed in X and Y directions, calculates awidth corresponding an object approaching the touch panel based on anoutput distribution of capacitance values from the touch panel, anddetermines whether an input operation corresponding to the object isvalid based on the calculated width of the object.

According to the present disclosure, determination can be made as towhether input operation of an object is valid or invalid based on theoutput distribution of capacitance values of an object approaching atouch panel unit. Therefore, operations that the user intended andoperations not intended can be distinguished, and input of operationsnot intended by the user can be ignored. Thus, even in the case of anobject approaching the touch panel unit in error, the screen does notswitch as a result of the unintended operation, and user operability isincreased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic internal block configuration example of a portableterminal having a touch panel device according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a schematic configuration of acapacitance-type touch panel device according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a descriptive diagram schematically showing an expanded viewof a rectangular transparent electrode unit of a capacitance-type touchpanel unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a descriptive diagram showing an example of distribution inthe X-direction of capacitance value signal levels detected with a touchpanel scanning unit according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a descriptive diagram expressing the detection width ofobjects in the X-direction (horizontal direction) and Y-direction(vertical direction) of the touch panel unit, and the relation of thetype of such objects, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts describing an example of basic processingaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and locations foradding first through fourth detecting processing.

FIGS. 7A-7D are descriptive diagrams illustrating an example of usermovement that will be detected or not detected as an intended operation,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8F are descriptive diagrams illustrating a first example of atouch operation of a portable terminal, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A-9H are descriptive diagrams illustrating a second example of atouch operation of a portable terminal, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10H are descriptive diagrams illustrating a third example of atouch operation of a portable terminal, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11H are descriptive diagrams illustrating a fourth example ofa touch operation of a portable terminal, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12D are descriptive diagrams illustrating an example ofoperations that a user intended and operations to be ignored, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing detection processing of anobject according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a chart showing an example of operations that conventionallyhave been detectable.

FIG. 15 is a chart showing an example of detection ranges according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are descriptive diagrams illustrating an example ofdetecting the shape of an object such as a finger, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are flowcharts showing an example of two determinationprocesses for the touch panel to detect the shape of an object,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 18A-18D are descriptive diagrams showing a situation whereindetection processing of the form of an object is performed in the eventthat the user holds the portable terminal, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 19A-19C is a descriptive diagram illustrating an example ofvarious types of touch panel mechanisms, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams illustrating a schematic configuration ofa capacitance-type touch panel wherein an electroconductive printedpattern has been capacitance-coupled, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing, in an enlarged manner, thevicinity of a rectangular transparent electrode unit of acapacitance-type touch panel and an electroconductive printed patternwhich has been capacitance-coupled therwith, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a descriptive diagram showing an example of detecting thesize and shape of an object such as a finger, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for the touchpanel to detect the size and shape of an object, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a descriptive diagram showing an example of the touch paneldetecting movement of the center of gravity of an object, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are flowcharts showing two determining processingexamples to detect movement of the center of gravity of an object,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are descriptive diagrams showing an example ofprocessing to detect a touch pattern of an object, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of processing to detect atouch pattern of an object, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 28 is a descriptive diagram illustrating an example of variousparameters configuring the distribution shape of capacitance valuesdetected with the touch panel scanning unit, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a descriptive diagram expressing the detection width ofobjects in the X-direction (horizontal direction) and Y-direction(vertical direction) of the touch panel, and the relation of the type ofsuch objects, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Descriptions will be made below about embodiments of the presentdisclosure (hereafter called embodiments). Note that the descriptionwill be given in the following order.

1. First Embodiment (Example of determining whether or not an operationof an object approaching a touch panel unit is an intended operation ofa user)

2. Modification

1. First Embodiment [Example of Determining Whether or not an Operationof an Object Approaching a Touch Panel Unit is an Intended Operation ofa User]

Hereafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will bedescribed with reference to the appended diagrams. An example will bedescribed below which applies to a portable information processingterminal (portable terminal 1) wherein operation input can be made witha capacitance-type touch panel device (touch panel device 20) thatcovers roughly the entire face of a display screen. The portableterminal 1 realizes a position detecting method for operation input thata later-described internal block coordinates, by a computer executing aprogram.

[Schematic Block Configuration of Portable Terminal having a Touch PanelDevice According to the Present Embodiment]

FIG. 1 shows a schematic internal block configuration example of theportable terminal 1 which has a touch panel device 20. Note thataccording to the present embodiment, an example is given wherein thetouch panel device 20 is applied to the portable terminal 1, but shouldnot be limited to this. As an example, applications to a tabletterminal, gaming device, music playing device, digital camera, and soforth that have a touch panel device 20 can also be made.

The portable terminal 1 has a communication unit 2, control unit 3,button operating unit 4, storage unit 5, external input/output terminalunit 6, and external memory slot 7. Also, the portable terminal 1 has anaudio processing unit 10, display processing unit 13, photograph controlcomputing unit 15, IC (integrated circuit) 18, touch panel scanning unit19, touch panel device 20, and touch panel unit 30.

The communication unit 2 has a communication unit or the like to performcommunication through a communication antenna, cellular phone network,or public wireless communication network.

The control unit 3 is made up of a main CPU (central processing unit),and controls the various parts such as the communication unit 2, displayprocessing unit 13, audio processing unit 10, external input/outputterminal unit 6, external memory slot 7, photograph control computingunit 15, and IC (integrated circuit) 18, and performs various types ofcalculations as needed. The control unit 3 executes various types ofprograms stored in the storage unit 5. Note that execution of the actioncontrol program based on output by the touch panel device 20 and theapplication program is managed by the control unit 3. The buttonoperating unit 4 is made up of a hard key provided on the housing of theportable terminal 1 and peripheral circuits thereof.

The storage unit 5 is made up of a built-in memory that is providedinside the portable terminal 1 and a removable card-shape memory and thelike. A removable card-shape memory may be a card that stores SIM(Subscriber Identity Module) information or the like. The built-inmemory is made up of ROM (Read Only Memory) that can only be read andRAM (Random Access Memory) that can be rewritten. The ROM stores an SO(Operating System), a control program whereby the control unit 3controls the parts of the portable terminal 1, various types ofapplication programs including an action control program according tothe output of the touch panel device 20, various types of initialsetting values, and various types of data and so forth. RAM storestemporary data as a work region and buffer region in the event that thecontrol unit 3 and photograph control computing unit 15 and so forthperform various types of data processing.

The external input/output terminal unit 6 is made up of a cableconnection connector and external data communication interface circuitin the event of performing data communication through a cable, forexample, or a charging terminal and a charging interface circuit thereofor the like in the event of charging an internal battery through a powercable or the like. The portable terminal 1 can obtain, from an externaldevice connected to the external input/output terminal unit 6,application programs including the action control program according tothe present embodiment, and other various types of programs and data.

The external memory slot 7 is made up of an interface circuit and soforth to transmit/receive data and programs and so forth between amemory attaching/removing unit whereby the external memory 8 and thelike formed of a semiconductor storage medium can be attached/removed,and the external memory mounted on the memory attaching/removing unit.Note that the external memory 8 may be a recording medium whereinapplication programs and the like, including the action control programaccording to the present disclosure, are recorded, and in this case, theportable terminal 1 can obtain the application program or the like fromthe external memory 8.

The audio processing unit 10 is a processing circuit of the audio signalinput/output with the microphone 11 and speaker 12. The microphone 11 isused to collect sound of external audio and collect sound of transmittedaudio. The speaker 12 is used to, for example, play music, outputreceived speech, output ringtones, and the like.

The display processing unit 13 has an image signal processing circuitthat generates an image signal displayed on a display 14 and a drivingcircuit that performs display driving of the display 14 based on theimage signal thereof. The display 14 is a display panel made up of aliquid crystal panel, organic EL panel, or the like, for example, anddisplay screens such as an email display screen, web screen, text inputscreen, or the like and still images and moving pictures and the likeare displayed.

With control by the control unit 3, the photograph control computingunit 15 performs photographing actions and automatic focusing actions ofan autofocus mechanism, automatic diaphragm adjusting actions of an autoiris mechanism, adjusting actions of a shutter speed adjustingmechanism, correcting actions of a vibration correcting mechanism, andso forth of the camera unit 16. Also, by controlling a light-emittingdriving circuit of a light-emitting unit 17, the photograph controlcomputing unit 15 causes the light-emitting unit 17 to performlight-emitting operations of photography illumination light andlight-emitting operations of photography fill light.

The camera unit 16 has an imaging device to photograph still images andmotion pictures, an optical system to form an image of the subject imageon the imaging device thereof, an autofocus mechanism to drive the lensof the optical system and perform automatic focusing, an auto irismechanism to drive the diaphragm of the optical system and performautomatic diaphragm adjustment, a shutter speed adjusting mechanism toadjust the shutter speed mechanically or electronically or the like, avibration correcting mechanism or the like to correct so-called handvibrations, and driving circuits or the like to drive variousmechanisms.

The light-emitting unit 17 has a light unit made up of an LED or thelike to emit the light of photograph illuminating light (e.g. strobelighting) to light the subject at time of photographing with the cameraunit 16, photograph fill light to obtain the brightness to correctlyaction the autofocus, and so forth. Also, the light-emitting unit 17 hasa light emitting driving circuit or the like to drive the light unit toemit light.

The IC 18 is configured to have a touch panel scanning unit 19. Thetouch panel 30 is a capacitance-type touch panel, wherein multipletransparent electrode units 40X and 40Y are arrayed in the X andY-directions (see later-described FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). The touch panelscanning unit 19 scans each of the various rectangular shapedtransparent electrode units 40X and the various rectangular shapedtransparent electrode 40Y in the X-Y transparent electrode pattern unit31 of the touch panel unit 30, and detects changes to the capacitance inthe X-direction and Y-direction. Also, the IC 18 finds the coordinatevalues of the rectangular shaped transparent electrode units for whichcapacitance has changed.

The IC 18 is used as a position detecting unit to determine whether theinput operation of an object is valid or invalid, based on the outputdistribution of capacitance values of the touch panel unit 30.Specifically, the IC 18 computes a center of gravity position of anobject at a position where an object nears the face of the touch panelunit 30, and from the center of gravity position of the object,determines whether the input operation of an object is valid or invalid.Therefore, the IC 18 determines whether or not the operation is intendedby the user, based on the size and shape and so forth of the object thathas approached the surface of the touch panel unit 30 and is detected bythe touch panel scanning unit 19. The IC 18 computes the center ofgravity position and shape and so forth of the object based oninformation of the obtained coordinate values and changed capacitancevalues, and determines whether the operation is valid or invalid. Thedetermination result is transmitted to the control unit 3.

As described above, the IC 18 can identify the coordinates (operatingposition) on the screen of the touch panel unit 30 where an operationhas been performed with a finger or the like of the user, by computingthe center of gravity position on a contact region between the objectand touch panel unit 30. The coordinates rc of the center of gravityposition can be computed using the Expression 1 and Expression 2 below,for example. In the various Expressions below, “m” denotes thecapacitance value detected with the various transparent electrode units,“M” denotes the sum of the capacitance values detected with the varioustransparent electrode units, and “ri” denotes the coordinates of thevarious transparent electrode units.

$\begin{matrix}{{\sum\limits_{i}m_{i}} = M} & \left( {{Expression}\mspace{14mu} 1} \right) \\{r_{c} = \frac{\sum\limits_{i}{m_{i}r_{i}}}{M}} & \left( {{Expression}\mspace{14mu} 2} \right)\end{matrix}$

Note that although the diagram thereof is omitted in FIG. 1, theportable terminal 1 has a power management IC that controls the clockportion to measure the time and points-in-time, a battery to supplypower to the various parts, and the power thereof. Also, a digitalbroadcast reception module to receive digital television broadcasts anddigital radio broadcasts and so forth is provided. Also, a non-contactcommunication module to perform non-contact communication used with RFID(Radio Frequency-Identification) or non-contact type IC card or the likeis provided. Also, a near field wireless communication unit such as aGPS module that finds the latitude and longitude of the current positionof the terminal at hand with a GPS (Global Positioning System) signalfrom a GPS satellite; a wireless LAN; or Bluetooth (Bluetooth:registered trademark) or the like is provided. Also, various types ofsensor units or the like such as a center of gravity sensor, inclinationsensor, acceleration sensor, direction sensor, temperature sensor,humidity sensor, lighting sensor and so forth that are generallyprovided to the various configuration elements provided to the portableterminal 1 are also provided.

[Schematic Configuration of Capacitance-Type Touch Panel]

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a capacitance-type touch paneldevice 20. Note that FIG. 2A shows a diagram as seeing the touch panelunit 30 from the front, and FIG. 2B shows a diagram as seeing the touchpanel unit 30 from the side.

FIG. 3 is a descriptive diagram schematically showing an expanded viewof a rectangular transparent electrode unit of the capacitance-typetouch panel unit 30.

The touch panel device 20 has an IC 18, touch panel unit 30, X-Ytransparent electrode pattern unit 31, flexible print substrate 34,sensor glass unit 36, and so forth. The touch panel unit 30 is disposedso as to be layered over the display 14 (see FIG. 1).

The X-Y transparent electrode pattern unit 31 is formed on the surfaceof the sensor glass unit 36 made up of a transparent glass plate. Forexample, multiple rectangular transparent electrode units 40X arearrayed in the X-direction and in multiple rows, and multiplerectangular transparent electrode units 40Y are arrayed in theY-direction and in multiple rows.

The various rectangular transparent electrode units 40X arrayed in theX-direction in multiple rows are connected with a connecting unitbetween the various adjacent rectangular transparent electrode units40X. Similarly, the rectangular transparent electrode units 40Y arrayedin the Y-direction in multiple rows are connected with a connecting unitbetween the various adjacent rectangular transparent electrode units40Y. The various connecting units to connect between the variousadjacent rectangular transparent electrode units 40X and the variousconnecting units to connect between the various adjacent rectangulartransparent electrode units 40Y are each formed with a transparentelectrode.

Also, the various rectangular transparent electrode units 40X that areon the outer most edges of the various rectangular transparent electrodeunits 40X are connected in an outer edge wiring pattern 43X, andconnected in a wiring pattern of a flexible print substrate 34 via theouter edge wiring pattern 43X. Similarly, the various rectangulartransparent electrode units 40Y that are on the outer most edges of thevarious rectangular transparent electrode units 40Y are connected in anouter edge wiring pattern 43Y, and connected in a wiring pattern of aflexible print substrate 34 via the outer edge wiring pattern 43Y.

The flexible print substrate 34 is formed so as to have a wiring patternconnecting each of the outer wiring pattern 43X and outer edge wiringpattern 43Y of the X-Y transparent electrode pattern unit 31. Note thatthe flexible print substrate 34 is drawn in a state of being extendedover a flat face but in the event of being disposed within the housingof the portable terminal or the like, for example, the touch panel unit30 is disposed so as to be bent into a predetermined position within thehousing of the portable terminal 1.

The IC 18 is mounted on the flexible print substrate 34, and isconnected to the outer edge wiring pattern 43X and outer edge wiringpattern 43Y of the X-Y transparent electrode pattern unit 31 via thewiring pattern on the flexible print substrate 34. The IC 18 scans eachof the various rectangular transparent electrode units 40X in theX-direction and the various rectangular transparent electrode units 40Yin the Y-direction of the X-Y transparent electrode pattern unit 31, anddetects changes in capacitance in the X-direction and Y-direction. Thecoordinates value and the capacitance detection values when the objectsuch as the finger of the user nears the sensor surface of the touchpanel unit 30 and so forth, are calculated by the changes in thedetected capacitance.

FIG. 4 is a descriptive diagram showing an example of a distribution inthe X-direction of the capacitance values, which are formed between thevarious electrodes of the X-Y transparent electrode pattern unit 31 andthe object, detected by the touch panel scanning unit 19. Note that inorder to simplify the description herein, description will be givenusing a one-dimensional distribution chart. Also, FIG. 4 shows only anexample of distribution in the X-direction, but actually information ofdistribution in the Y-axis direction are also referenced together toperform calculations of coordinates of the position where the object isapproaching the touch panel unit 30.

The horizontal axis in FIG. 4 shows the X-direction of the X-Ytransparent electrode pattern unit 31, and the vertical axis shows thesize of the signal level of the detected capacitance values. Thecapacitance values shown with the vertical axis show the digital valuesafter A/D conversion.

As shown in FIG. 4, the distribution of the capacitance value detectedwith the touch panel scanning unit 19 is roughly symmetrical left andright, with a peak Xp in the center which is the electrode positionwherein the capacitance value is the peak. As the capacitance valuesused to calculate the center of gravity position, the accuracy tocalculate the center of gravity position can be improved by using notonly the capacitance values obtained with the peak Xp but also thecapacitance values obtained multiple electrodes to the left and rightthereof. As the capacitance values used to calculate the center ofgravity position, what number of electrodes on the left and right of thepeak Xp serving as the center to use, i.e. the number of the capacitancevalues used to calculate the center of gravity position in the arraydirection of the electrodes, can be changed by the size of the thresholdprovided to the signal level of the capacitance values.

According to the present disclosure, the size of the threshold isautomatically optimized based on information obtained from thedistribution shape in the X-direction and Y-axial direction of thecapacitance values detected with the touch panel scanning unit 19. Notethat description for only calculations of the center of gravity positionin the X-direction of the X-Y transparent electrode pattern unit 31 isgiven here, but similar calculations are also made for the Y-axisdirection, and a final center of gravity position based on the valuesobtained with both axis directions is computed.

Next, an application range relating to the present embodiment will bedescribed.

FIG. 5 is a descriptive diagram showing the relation between thedetection width of an object in the X-direction (horizontal direction)and Y-direction (vertical direction) of the touch panel unit 30 and thetype of object thereof.

As to widths of objects that the IC 18 detects in the X-direction andY-direction, there are five types, which are less than 3 mm, 3 mm orgreater but less than 7 mm, 7 mm or greater but less than 20 mm, 20 mmor greater but less than 30 mm, and 30 mm or greater.

(1) In the case that the detection range in the X-direction andY-direction on the surface of the touch panel unit 30 is less than 3 mm,determination can be made that this is a stylus pen.

(2) In the case that the detection range in the X-direction andY-direction is 3 mm or greater but less than 7 mm, and that 3 mm or lessin the X-direction and Y-direction are excluded, determination can bemade that this is a finger of a user.

(3) In the case that the detection range in the X-direction is 7 mm orgreater but less than 20 mm, and that the detection range in theY-direction is 20 mm or greater but less than 30 mm, or the detectionrange in the Y-direction is 7 mm or greater but less than 20 mm, and thedetection range in the Y-direction is 20 mm or greater but less than 30mm, determination can be made that this is a large digit such as a thumbor the like.

(4) In the case that the detection range in the X-direction is 20 mm orgreater and the detection range in the Y-direction is less than 7 mm, orin the case that the detection range in the Y-direction is 20 mm orgreater and the detection range in the X-direction is less than 7 mm,determination can be made that the edge of the portable terminal 1 is inthe state of being gripped.

(5) In the case that the detection range in the X-direction is 30 mm orgreater and the detection range in the Y-direction is 7 mm or greater,in the case that the detection range in the Y-direction is 30 mm orgreater and the detection range in the X-direction is 7 mm or greater,or in the case that the detection range in the X-direction is 20 mm orgreater and less than 30 mm and that the detection range in theY-direction is 20 mm or greater and less than 30 mm, determination canbe made that this is an entire palm of a hand.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of basic processing relating tothe present embodiment and positions to add first through fourthdetection processing to detect an object approaching the touch panelunit 30. FIG. 6A shows an example of basic processing to detect anobject, and FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing locations to add the firstthrough fourth detection processing as to the basic processing.

In the basic processing to detect an object as shown in FIG. 6A, thetouch panel scanning unit 19 first scans the surface of the touch panelunit 30 and obtains the original data before the processing (step S1).Information such as the distribution of capacitance that changes on thesurface of the touch panel unit 30 described above, and so forth, isincluded in the original data.

Next, the IC 18 compares the signal level at a point near the objectfound from the original data and the threshold value, and detects whichrectangular transparent electrode unit 40X, 40Y has been turn on or off(step S2). At this time, in the case that the signal level has exceededthe threshold, the IC 18 determines this has been turned on, and whenthe signal level is less than the threshold level, determines this hasbeen turned off. Thus, the noise and the like occurring on the surfaceof the touch panel unit 30 and the capacitance value changed with theobject operated by the user can be distinguished.

The IC 18 then computes the XY coordinates of the object that hastouched the touch panel unit 30 (step S3). At this time, the IC 18 findsthe center of gravity of the object, and manages the XY coordinate ofthe center of gravity by appending a unique ID thereto.

Steps S11, 13, 15 in FIG. 6B are similar processing as the steps S1, 2,3 in FIG. 6A, respectively. First through fourth detection processingare added as appropriate to one of the locations in steps S12, 14, 16.The first through fourth detection processing here is processing asdescribed below.

(First Detection Processing) Processing to Detect the Shape of anObject:

This is processing to compare the width of an object parallel to theedge of the touch panel unit 30 and the width of an object approachingthe edge of the touch panel unit 30.

(Second Detection Processing) Processing to Detect the Size and Shape ofan Object:

This is processing to detect the shape of an object, after havingcalculated the approaching position of the object approaching thesurface of the touch panel unit 30, by finding the ratio between thewidth of an object in the X- and Y-directions and the width in the XYdirection.

(Third Detection Processing) Processing to Detect the Position of theCenter of Gravity of the Object Multiple Times:

This is processing to detect the position of the center of gravity of anobject multiple times and to detect motion or non-motion of the centerof gravity of the object.

(Fourth Detection Processing) Processing to Detect the Touch Pattern ofthe Object:

This is processing to detect a touch pattern in the case that an objectnears the detection range having a predetermined width determined on theinner side of the edges of the touch panel unit 30.

The first through fourth detection processing is input into one of thesteps S12, S14, or S16 in FIG. 6B. Note that a desirable processingorder can be thought of as the order of second, first, third, and fourthdetection processing after having found the position of the objectcenter of gravity in steps S14 or S16 in FIG. 6B. Alternatively, withthe third detection processing, touches are measured multiple timeswhereby processing delays can occur, the second, first, and fourthdetection processing can be performed in order in steps S14 or S16,without performing the third detection processing. Also, of the firstthrough fourth detection processing, just one of the processing may beinput into one of the steps S12, S14, or S16.

Next, FIG. 7 through FIG. 12 will be referenced to describe how a useractually touches the portable terminal 1.

FIG. 7 is a descriptive diagram showing an example of user actionsdetermined as an identified operation being detected or not detected.FIG. 7A shows an example of detecting the operation of a user, and FIG.7B shows an example of not detecting the operation of a user. Also, FIG.7C shows an example wherein a range of detecting an operation of a userand a range of not detecting are mixed, and FIG. 7D shows an example ofnot detecting the operation of a user.

Detecting an operation of a finger touching the vicinity of the centerof the touch panel unit 30 is desirable (FIG. 7A).

Not detecting an operation of multiple fingers touching the edge of thetouch panel unit 30 is desirable (FIG. 7B).

In the case of simultaneously touching the vicinity of the center andthe edge of the touch panel unit 30, detecting the operation of touchingthe vicinity of the center with the finger and not detecting theoperation of touching the edge is desirable (FIG. 7C).

In the case that a portion of the palm of a hand touches the edge of thetouch panel unit 30, not detecting this operation is desirable (FIG.7D).

[First Example of Touching Action]

FIG. 8 is a descriptive diagram showing a first example of a touchingaction of the portable terminal 1. FIG. 8A through FIG. 8C show anexample of the user placing the portable terminal 1 on the palm of thehand and operating the touch panel unit 30 with the thumb, and FIG. 8Dthrough FIG. 8F show the ranges of the IC 18 detecting approachingobjects according to the actions shown in FIG. 8A through FIG. 8C. Afirst example of the touching action shows that an operation notintended by the user is performed. In the diagrams below, the portionssurrounded with a dotted line indicate the positions that the hand ofthe user is touching the touch panel unit 30, and the portion shadedwithin the dotted lines shows the detection region of the IC 18detecting an object.

Upon the user placing the portable terminal 1 on the palm of the handand touching the edge of the portable terminal 1 with the base of thethumb (FIG. 8A), the IC 18 detects that an object has touched the leftedge of the touch panel unit 30. Next, upon the user gripping theportable terminal 1 (FIG. 8B), the IC 18 detects the size of the ball ofthe base of the thumb (FIG. 8E).

Upon the thumb of the user touching the surface of the touch panel unit30 (FIG. 8C), the IC 18 detects the size of the ball of the base of thethumb and the location that the thumb is touching. Also, the IC 18detects that the center of gravity of the detection range has moved inthe direction of the center of the touch panel unit 30 (FIG. 8F). Atsuch a case the IC 18 determines that the operation of the user is anunintended operation.

[Second Example of Touching Action]

FIG. 9 is a descriptive diagram showing a second example of a touchingaction of the portable terminal 1. FIG. 9A through FIG. 9D show anexample of the user placing the portable terminal 1 on the palm of thehand and operating, and FIG. 9E through FIG. 9H show the ranges that theIC 18 detects according to the actions shown in FIG. 9A through FIG. 9D.

The user places the portable terminal 1 on the palm of the hand, anddoes not touch anywhere on the touch panel unit 30 (FIG. 9A). At thistime, the IC 18 does not detect a touch to the touch panel unit 30 (FIG.9E). Next, upon the user placing the middle finger on the edge of theportable terminal 1 (FIG. 9B), the IC 18 detects that the tip of themiddle finger has performed touching (FIG. 9F).

Next, upon the user moving the index finger, middle finger, and ringfinger from the edge of the portable terminal 1 toward the centerthereof (FIG. 9C), the IC 18 detects a touch from these fingers (FIG.9G). Subsequently, upon the user releasing these fingers from the touchpanel unit 30 (FIG. 9D), the IC 18 detects that these fingers have beenreleased (FIG. 9H). At this time, the IC 18 detects that the center ofgravity of the detection range has moved from the center direction ofthe touch panel unit 30 to the outer side. In such a case the IC 18determines that the action of the user is an unintended operation.

[Third Example of Touching Action]

FIG. 10 is a descriptive diagram showing a third example of a touchingaction of the portable terminal 1. FIG. 10A through FIG. 10D show anexample of the user placing the portable terminal 1 on the palm of thehand and operating with the thumb, and FIG. 10E through FIG. 10H showthe ranges that the IC 18 detects according to the actions shown in FIG.10A through FIG. 10D.

When the user has placed the portable terminal 1 on the palm of the handand is not touching anywhere on the touch panel unit 30 (FIG. 10A), theIC 18 does not detect the fingers of the user (FIG. 10E). Next, even ifthe user brings the thumb close to the edge of the touch panel unit 30(FIG. 10B), the IC 18 does not detect the fingers of the user (FIG.10F).

Next, if the user touches the touch panel unit 30 with the tip of thethumb while moving orthogonally as to the surface (FIG. 10C), the IC 18detects that the tip of the thumb has touched (FIG. 10G). Now, across-mark showing the center of gravity of the detection range will beshown to facilitate description.

When the user presses the ball of the thumb onto the touch panel unit 30(FIG. 10D), the IC 18 detects that the touch area of the thumb hasbecome greater. At this time, the IC 18 detects that the center ofgravity of the detection range has not moved. In such a case the IC 18determines that the action of the user is an intended operation.

[Fourth Example of Touching Action]

FIG. 11 is a descriptive diagram showing a fourth example of a touchingaction of the portable terminal. FIG. 11A through FIG. 11D show anexample of the user placing the portable terminal 1 on the palm of thehand and operating with the thumb, and FIG. 11E through FIG. 11H showthe ranges that the IC 18 detects according to the actions shown in FIG.11A through FIG. 11D.

First, an example of an intended operation will be described.

Upon the user placing the portable terminal 1 on the left hand andtouching the touch panel unit 30 with the index finger of the right hand(FIG. 11A), the IC 18 detects the center of gravity of the touch rangeof the index finger (FIG. 11E), and determines this to be an intendedoperation. In the case also that the user traces the surface of thetouch panel unit 30 with the thumb of the left hand (FIG. 11B), the IC18 detects the center of gravity of the touch range of the thumb (FIG.11F), and determines this to be an intended operation.

Next, while an intended operation, an example of an operation to beignored due to an operating miss or the like will be described.

Upon the user placing the portable terminal 1 on the left hand andtouching the edge of the touch panel unit 30 with the index finger ofthe right hand (FIG. 11C), the IC 18 detects the center of gravity ofthe touch range of the index finger (FIG. 11G). At this time, the centerof gravity is on the outer side of the touch panel unit 30, whereby theIC 18 determines that this is an unintended operation. In the case alsothat the user traces the edge of the touch panel unit 30 with the thumbof the left hand (FIG. 11D), since the center of gravity is on the outerside of the touch panel unit 30, the IC 18 determines this to be anunintended operation (FIG. 11H).

FIG. 12 shows an example of an operation not intended by the user. FIG.12A and FIG. 12B show an example of gripping the portable terminal 1 sothat the tips of the fingers are touching the touch panel unit 30, andFIG. 12C and FIG. 12D show the range that the IC 18 detects from theactions shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B.

Upon the user placing the portable terminal 1 on the left hand andtouching the edge of the touch panel unit 30 with the index finger,middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the left hand (FIG.12A), the IC 18 detects that the center of gravity in the touching rangeof these fingers are outside of the touch panel unit 30 (FIG. 12C), anddetermines this to be an unintended operation. Also, upon these fingerstouching in the vicinity of the center of the touch panel unit 30 andthe base of the finger touches the edge of the touch panel unit 30 (FIG.12B), the center of gravity of the touching range of the fingersdetected by the touch panel unit 30 is in the center of the touch panelunit 30 (FIG. 12D). At this time, the IC 18 determines this to be anunintended operation.

Next, an example of the size and shape of various fingers of the userdetected with the touch panel unit 30 will be described with referenceto FIG. 13 through FIG. 15. In FIG. 13 through FIG. 15, the size of theobject such as the finger of the user or the like is shown surroundedwith a dotted line, the detection range where the IC 18 detects theobject is shown as a portion having appending a shaded area within thedotted line, and the size of the maximum outer shape of the object suchas finger of the user or the like is shown as an orthogonal line withinthe dotted line. Also, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 both use the same chart todescribe actions.

FIG. 13 is a chart showing an overview of detection processing of anobject.

The vertical columns of FIG. 13 shows examples of an index finger of theuser touching the portable terminal 1 (FIG. 13A), a thumb (FIG. 13B),gripping (FIG. 13C), base of a finger (FIG. 13D), and an irregular wayof holding (FIG. 13E). Now, the index finger and thumb of the user asshown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are exemplified as cases of performingintended operations, and the gripping, base of a finger, and irregularway of holding by the user, as shown in FIG. 13C through FIG. 13E areexemplified as cases of performing unintended operations.

Also, the horizontal rows of FIG. 13 show examples of the size and shapeof each finger shown in the vertical columns of FIG. 13. Further, in thecells of the shapes, examples of the points wherein each finger firsttouches the touch panel unit 30 and of the points after touching for apredetermined amount of time having passed are shown.

Upon the index finger touching the touch panel unit 30, the size of thedetection range is smaller than 7 mm. Also, in the case that the indexfinger points to the screen on the touch panel unit 30, the center ofgravity of the detection range does not move on the touch panel unit 30.Therefore, the shape of the detection range continues to be maintainedover a predetermined amount of time. Also, upon the thumb touching thetouch panel unit 30, the size of the detection range is smaller than 25mm and the center of gravity of the detection range is not moving on thetouch panel unit 30, whereby the shape continues to be maintained over apredetermined amount of time.

On the other hand, if the portable terminal 1 is gripped, the size ofthe detection range is smaller than 7 mm, and the center of gravity ofthe detection range moves outward from within the touch panel unit 30.The detection range disappears at the point in time that the grippingfingers are released from the touch panel unit 30. Also, upon the baseof the finger touching the touch panel unit 30, the size of thedetection range is smaller than 35 mm, and the center of gravity of thedetection range moves inward from the outside of the touch panel unit 30and the detection range increases. Also, upon touching the touch panelunit 30 with an irregular way of holding, multiple detection ranges aredetected, regardless of the size of detection range.

FIG. 14 is a chart showing examples of actions that have been detectableconventionally.

Conventionally, intentional operations with the index finger and thumbhave been detectable (FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B). However, there has been thepossibility that erroneous operations will be made with gripping, thebase of the fingers, and an irregular way of holding (FIG. 14C, FIG.14E). Also, upon the center of gravity of the base of the finger movingtoward the center of the touch panel unit 30, the detection rangebecomes large, whereby the operation is set to be ignored (FIG. 14D).

FIG. 15 is a chart showing examples of detection ranges relating to anembodiment.

As described above, intentional operations with the index finger andthumb can be detected with methods used conventionally (FIG. 15A, FIG.15B). Also, gripping can be detected with the first and third detectionprocessing (FIG. 15C), the base of the finger can be detected with thesecond detection processing (FIG. 15D), and an irregular way of holdingcan be detected with the fourth detection processing (FIG. 15E).

Next, examples of the first through fourth processing to detect the sizeand shape of objects such as a finger that touches the touch panel unit30 will be described.

[First Detection Processing: Example of Processing to Detect the Shapeof an Object]

FIG. 16 is a descriptive diagram showing an example of detecting theshape of an object such as a finger. FIG. 16A shows the shape of thefinger touching the touch panel unit 30, and FIG. 16B shows an exampleof information of the shape of the finger that the touch panel unit 30has detected.

FIG. 16A shows the inner side of the touch panel unit 30 where the IC 18detects the touch of an object, the space outside the touch panel unit30, and the edge of the touch panel unit 30. The position of the fingerthat the IC 18 detects is shown as a first pattern and the state ofdragging the finger to the outer side of the touch panel unit 30 isshown with second through seventh patterns. Here, the detection rangethat the IC 18 detects is a large oval shape corresponding to the sizeof the finger touching the touch panel unit 30. Therefore, the long sideof the detection range that is parallel to the edge of the touch panelunit 30 is denoted as “width F”.

Upon the finger moving from the inner side of the touch panel unit 30 tothe outer side, a portion of the detection range becomes missing due tothe edge of the touch panel unit 30. The length of the portion where theoval shape showing the detection range and the edge of the touch panelunit 30 intersect is denoted as “width E”. Width E becomes longer whenthe finger is resting on the edge of the touch panel unit 30, andbecomes shorter when the finger is released from the touch panel unit30.

In the first detection processing, the IC 18 determines whether theinput operation of the object approaching the edge of the touch panelunit 30 is valid or invalid based on the width changes to the object.Now, the ID 18 compares the width F and the width E when the fingercrosses over the edge of the touch panel unit 30, and determines whetherthe touch input of the object is an operation intended by the useraccording to the conditions below.

(1) In the case of width F>width E, determines that an input operationhas been made, and connects to following processing.

(2) In the case of width F≦width E, determines the operation to be inerror, and does not connect to following processing.

FIG. 16B shows an example of widths E and F in the first through seventhpatterns. The IC 18 determines that with the first through thirdpatterns, the operation is intended by the user. On the other hand, withthe fourth through seventh patterns, even if widths E and F aredetected, determination is made that the operation is not intended bythe user.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of two determining processingfor the IC 18 to detect the shape of an object. FIG. 17A shows anexample of a first determining processing, and FIG. 17B shows an exampleof a second determining processing.

In the example of the first determining processing shown in FIG. 17A,the IC 18 determines whether the input operation of the object is validor invalid in the case that the width of the object approaching thetouch panel unit 30 in the direction roughly parallel to the edge of thetouch panel unit 30 is wider than the width of the object crossing overthe edge of the touch panel unit 30.

First, the IC 18 compares the width F that has approached the touchpanel unit 30 and the width E when the finger crosses over the edge ofthe touch panel unit 30 (step S21). In the case of width F>width E,connection is made to the following processing (step S22), and in thecase of width F≦width E, the processing is stopped (step S23). In thedescription below, “following processing” indicates processing such asan application program or the like performed with the control unit 3,for example.

In the example of the second determining processing shown in FIG. 17B,in the case that the width of the object crossing over the edge of thetouch panel unit 30 is greater than 0, the IC 18 performs a comparisonbetween the width of the object approaching the touching panel unit 30in the direction roughly parallel to the edge of the touch panel unit 30and the width of the object crossing over the edge of the touch panelunit 30.

First, the IC 18 determines whether the width E when the finger crossesover the edge of the touch panel unit 30 is greater than 0 (step S31).In the case that width E is greater than 0, connection is made to thefollowing processing (step S33).

Next, the approached width F and the width E when the finger crossingover the edge of the touch panel unit 30 is compared (step S32). In thecase of width F>width E, connection is made to the following processing(step S33), and in the case that width F≦width E, the processing isstopped (step S34).

FIG. 18 is a descriptive diagram showing a situation wherein detectionprocessing of the shape of an object is performed in the event that theuser is holding the portable terminal 1.

First, when the user sets the portable terminal 1 on the left hand andtouches the vicinity of the center of the touch panel unit 30 with thethumb, the relation between detected widths F and E are width F>width Eor width E=0 (FIG. 18A). Therefore, the operation with the thumb isaccepted.

Next, the user releases the finger from the center of the touch panelunit 30 and places multiple fingers on the edge of the touch panel unit30 (FIG. 18B). At this time, since width F≦width E, the operation withthe fingers on the edge is not accepted.

Next, the user places a finger at the center and on the edge of thetouch panel unit 30 (FIG. 18C). At this time, width F>width E and widthE=0 holds for the thumb that has touched near the center of the touchpanel unit 30, and width F≦width E holds for the finger placed on theedge of the touch panel unit 30, whereby only the operation of the thumbis accepted.

Further, the base of the thumb touches the edge of the touch panel unit30 (FIG. 18D). At this time, width F≦width E holds, whereby theoperation is not accepted.

Note that various mechanisms of the touch panel unit 30 that detects theshape of the object crossing over the edge can be conceived. Here, thetypes of mechanisms for the touch panel unit 30 will be described.

FIG. 19 shows an example of the mechanism of various types of the touchpanel unit 30.

FIG. 19A shows an example of a touch panel unit 30 that is larger thanthe display 14.

Now, the vertical and horizontal lengths of the touch panel unit 30 arelarger than the vertical and horizontal lengths of the display 14.Therefore, an object crossing over the edge can be detected by embeddinga touch sensor in the edge of the touch panel unit 30 that sticks outfrom the display 14.

FIG. 19B shows an example wherein the display 14 and a touch panel unit30′ are roughly the same size.

The display 14 and the touch panel unit 30′ are roughly the same size,but a sensor detects the length that an object crosses over the locationof the width of one pixel on the outer side of the edge of the display14. By thus configuring, the size of the touch panel unit 30′ can besuppressed, and the entire portable terminal 1 can be miniaturized.

As shown in FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B, the touch panel unit 30 is formedlarger than the display unit that displays the information. Therefore,the IC 18 finds the width of an object which nears the edge of the touchpanel unit 30 which is a portion larger than the display unit of thetouch panel unit 30.

FIG. 19C shows an example of an electroconductive layer (later-describedelectroconductive printed pattern 33) used as an electrode sensor thatis attached to the edge of the touch panel unit 41.

The size of the display 14 and the touch panel unit 41 are the same, butmultiple electroconductive layers are attached to the periphery of thetouch panel unit 41. Now, a detailed configuration example of the touchpanel unit 41 shown in FIG. 19C will be described with reference to FIG.20 and FIG. 21. Note that the touch panel unit 41 has similarconfigurations as the above-described touch panel unit 30, so for suchconfigurations the same reference numerals will be appended, anddetailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 20 shows a schematic configuration of the touch panel unit 41. Notethat FIG. 20A shows a diagram viewing the touch panel unit 41 from thefront, and FIG. 20B shows a diagram viewing the touch panel unit 41 fromthe side. Also, FIG. 21 shows a portion of the touch panel unit 41 in anexpanded manner. Note that the touch panel unit 41 shown in FIG. 20 andFIG. 21 is an example having an electroconductive printed pattern 33 (33a, 33 b, 33 c) serving as an electroconductive layer that iscapacitively coupled to a transparent electrode unit in one direction,but an electroconductive printed pattern 33 may be provided in multipledirections as shown in FIG. 19C.

The electroconductive printed pattern 33 is a thin electroconductiveprint layer formed with screen printing or the like on a window glassplate or flexible print substrate or the like, for example. Theelectroconductive printed pattern 33 is connected to a transparentelectrode unit, and is configured so as to extend from the array area ofthe rectangular transparent electrode units 40X and 40Y toward the outerside. The electroconductive printed pattern 33 is capacitively coupledbetween the rectangular transparent electrode units 40X of the outermostedge of the rectangular transparent electrode units 40X, or between therectangular transparent electrode units 40Y of the outermost edge of therectangular transparent electrode units 40Y. Note that for the diagramto be easily readable, the size on the diagram of the electroconductiveprinted pattern 33 is drawn smaller than the size on the diagram of thevarious rectangular transparent electrode units 40X and the variousrectangular transparent electrode units 40Y. However, the actual size ofthe electroconductive printed pattern 33 is greater than the variousrectangular transparent electrode units 40X and 40Y.

With the touch panel unit 41, the electroconductive printed pattern 33is disposed so as to be extended to the outer side of the X-Ytransparent electrode pattern unit 31 in a direction roughly parallel tothe plane of the X-Y transparent electrode pattern unit 31. However, theelectroconductive printed pattern 33 may be disposed so as to beextended to the outer side of the X-Y transparent electrode pattern unit31 while being bent in a square direction as to the plane of the X-Ytransparent electrode pattern unit 31 or another desired angledirection, or may be disposed so as to be extended in a curved form.Further, an assistant wiring pattern 37 may also be formed between theelectroconductive printed pattern 33 and each of the rectangularelectrode units 40X on the outer edge portion or the rectangularelectrode units 40Y on the outer edge portion to assist the capacitivecoupling therebetween.

Also, when a touch is made by an object as to the electroconductiveprinted pattern 33, the IC 18 can detect the width of an objectapproaching the edge of the touch panel unit 30 via the rectangulartransparent electrode unit which is capacitively coupled to theelectroconductive printed pattern 33. In other words, with the touchpanel unit 41, the detection area of the X-Y transparent electrodepattern unit 31 is expanded by the electroconductive printed pattern 33.

[Second Detection Processing: Example of Processing to Detect Size andShape of Object]

FIG. 22 is a descriptive diagram showing an example of detecting thesize and shape of an object such as a finger.

FIG. 22 shows examples of the size and shape of objects that touch thetouch panel unit 30 in first through ninth patterns, in a list. Thischart shows examples of a stylus pen (first pattern), index finger of aninfant (second pattern), touching tip of index finger (third pattern),touching ball of index finger (fourth pattern), thumb (fifth pattern),and large thumb (sixth pattern). Also, the palm of a hand that touchesthe edge of the touch panel unit 30 (seventh pattern), a thumb thatgrips the portable terminal 1 (eighth pattern), and fingers other thanthe thumb that grip the portable terminal 1 (ninth pattern). Objectsshown in the first through sixth patterns are considered to beperforming operations intended by the user, and objects shown in theseventh through ninth patterns are considered to be causes of operationsnot intended by the user.

In the second detection processing, the IC 18 determines whether theinput operation of the object is valid or invalid in the case that thewidths in the X-direction and Y-direction of the object approaching thetouch panel unit 30 exceed a first predetermined value and the ratio ofthe X and Y directions of the object exceeds a second predeterminedvalue.

Therefore, the IC 18 measures the widths in the X-direction andY-direction of the object touching the surface. Note that the shortdirection of the housing of the portable terminal 1 is defined as theX-direction and the long direction as the Y-direction. The shapes of thefingers and so forth in the first through sixth patterns are containedwithin a range of a width of 1 to 20 mm in the X-direction and a widthof 1 to 25 mm in the Y-direction. Now, the ratio of the width in theX-direction as to the width in the Y-direction is contained within arange of 0.42 to 1.25.

On the other hand, the shapes of the fingers and so forth in the sevenththrough ninth patterns are contained within a range of a width of 3.5 to10 mm in the X-direction and a width of 7 to 35 mm in the Y-direction.Now, the ratio of the width in the X-direction as to the width in theY-direction is contained within a range of 2 to 7. These calculationresults show that the ratios of the width in the X-direction as to thewidth in the Y-direction for the objects shown in the first throughsixth patterns and for the objects shown in the seventh through ninthpatterns are clearly different.

Therefore, in the case that the shape of the touched object hassatisfied both of the two conditions below, the IC 18 determines whetherthe input operation is an intended operation.

(1) Width of object in X-direction>25 mm, or width in Y-direction>25 mm(first predetermined value condition)

(2) Width of object in Y-direction/width of object in X-direction>1.25(second predetermined value condition)

FIG. 23 shows an example of processing for the IC 18 to detect the sizeand shape of an object.

First, the IC 18 detects the direction of the portable terminal 1 whichthe user is holding as to the direction of gravity with an unshowngravity sensor (step S41). Next, variables A and B are set (step S42).Now, the length on the long edge of the portable terminal 1 is definedas wX, and the length of the short edge as wY. In the case that thedirection of the long edge of the portable terminal 1 is roughlyparallel to the direction of gravity, settings are made so that wX=A andwY=B. On the other hand, in the case that the direction of the long edgeof the portable terminal 1 is roughly orthogonal to the direction ofgravity, settings are made so that wX=B and wY=A.

Next, the IC 18 determines whether variable A<25 mm (step S43). Ifvariable A 25 mm holds, the operation is ignored (step S47), and ifvariable A<25 mm holds, determination is made as to whether variableB<25 mm (step S44). If variable B≧25 mm holds, the operation is ignored(step S47), and if variable B<25 mm holds, the IC 18 determines whethervariable B/A<1.25 holds (step S45).

If variable B/A≧25 mm holds, the IC 18 ignores the operation (step S47),and if variable B/A<1.25 holds, the operation input is accepted and theresults notified to the control unit 3 (step S46).

[Third Detection Processing: Example of Processing to Measure ObjectTouches Multiple Times and Detect Movement of Object Center of Gravity]

FIG. 24 is a descriptive diagram showing an example of the IC 18detecting the movement of the center of gravity of an object.

FIG. 24 shows an example of the center of gravity of an index fingertouching the touch panel unit 30 and of a hand that is holding whengripping the portable terminal 1, in a list.

The size of an index finger touching the touch panel unit 30 is lessthan 7 mm. Now, upon the index finger touching a portion of the touchpanel unit 30, the IC 18 performs a first center of gravity detection.At this time, the width E that crosses over the edge of the touch panelunit 30 is smaller than the detected width F. After a predeterminedamount of time has passed, the IC 18 performs a second center of gravitydetection. At this time, the width E that crosses over the edge of thetouch panel unit 30 continues to be smaller than the detected width F,and is detected as a valid operation if the center of gravity is notmoving.

On the other hand, let us assume that the size of the holding handtouching the touch panel unit 30 is less than 7 mm. Now, when theholding hand touches a portion of the touch panel unit 30, the firstcenter of gravity detection is performed. At this time, the width E thatcrosses over the edge of the touch panel unit 30 is smaller than thedetected width F. After a predetermined amount of time has passed, thesecond center of gravity detection is performed. At this time, theholding hand is a portion that the user does not use to inputoperations, so often the holding hand is separated from the touch panelunit 30. Therefore, there are cases wherein with the second center ofgravity detection, the center of gravity of the holding hand moves andso cannot be detected. Processing is performed to ignore such anoperation as an erroneous operation by the user.

In the third detection processing, the IC 18 determines whether theinput operation of the object is valid or invalid in the case that thewidth of the object approaching the touch panel unit 30 in a directionroughly parallel to the edge of the touch panel unit 30 measured overseveral times is greater than the width of the object crossing over theedge of the touch panel unit 30, and the output distribution hardlymoves within the predetermined amount of time.

Thus the IC 18 twice compares the length of width F and of width E ofthe object crossing over the edge of the portable terminal 1, anddetermines the coordination to the following processing, according tothe conditions below.

(1) In the case of width F>width E, detects an operation, and connectsto following processing.

(2) In the case of width F≦width E, ignores the operation, and does notconnect to following processing.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the example of two determining processesto detect the movement of center of gravity of the object. FIG. 25Ashows an example of a first determining processing and FIG. 25B shows anexample of a second determining processing.

In the example of the first determining processing shown in FIG. 25A,first, the IC 18 determines whether width F>width E holds (step S51). Ifwidth F≦width E holds, the processing is stopped (step S56), and ifwidth F>width E holds, the data for the next step is obtained (stepS52).

Next, determination is made again as to whether width F>width E holds(step S53). If width F≦width E holds, the processing is stopped (stepS56), and if width F>width E holds, determination is made as to whetherthe center of gravity of the object has moved (step S54). If the centerof gravity has moved the processing is stopped (step S56), and if thecenter of gravity has not moved, connection is made to the followingprocessing (step S55).

In the example of the second determining processing shown in FIG. 25B,in the case that the width of the object crossing over the edge of thetouch panel unit 30 is greater than 0, the IC 18 performs a comparisonwith the width of the object approaching the touch panel unit 30 in adirection roughly parallel to the edge of the touch panel unit 30, anddetermines whether the input operation of the object is valid orinvalid.

First, the IC 18 determines whether width E>0 holds (step S61). If widthE≦0 holds, the following processing is performed (step S61), and ifwidth E>0 holds, the following steps are performed. Now, the processingin steps S62 through S67 from the next step on is the same as theprocessing in steps S51 through S56 shown in FIG. 25A, so the detaileddescription will be omitted.

[Fourth Detection Processing: Example of Processing to Detect TouchPattern of Object]

FIG. 26 is a descriptive diagram showing an example of processing todetect the touch pattern of an object. FIG. 26A shows an example ofgripping while leaving a space between the edge of the touch panel unit30 and the surface. FIG. 26B shows an example of three types ofdetection regions of the touch panel unit 30.

Upon the user gripping the portable terminal 1 that has been placed onthe base of the thumb, a space is created between the edge of theportable terminal 1 and the fingers other than the thumb that touch thetouch panel unit 30 (FIG. 26A). Such touching is not intended by theuser, so it is desirable for this to be determined as operation inputsnot having been made.

In the Fourth detection processing, the IC 18 defines at least twodetection ranges that have a predetermined width on the inner side ofthe edge of the touch panel unit 30. Whether the input operation of theobject is valid or invalid is determined in the case that, of theobjects approaching a first detection range defined at the outermostside and a second detection range defined on the inner side of the firstdetection range, the width of the object approaching within the firstdetection range in a direction roughly parallel to the edge of the touchpanel 30 is smaller than a predetermined value.

Now, first detection region 20 a through third detection region 20 chaving rectangular shapes of different sizes in order to detect objectstouching the touch panel unit 30 are provided. The first detectionregion 20 a through third detection region 20 c are, in order from thecenter of the touch panel unit 30, a first detection region 20 a, seconddetection region 20 b, and third detection region 20 c. Note that thethird detection region 20 c is a region that is 10 mm to the inner sidefrom the edge of the touch panel unit 30, the second detection region 20b is a region that is 30 mm to the inner side of the third detectionregion 20 c, and the first detection region 20 a is a region on theinner side of the second detection region 20 b. The IC 18 detects atouching pattern of the object from the size of the object touching thevarious detection regions and the length crossing over the borders withthe other regions.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of processing to detect thetouching pattern of the object.

First, the IC 18 determines whether the object has touched the seconddetection region 20 b and third detection region 20 c (step S71), and ifno object is touching, connects to the following processing (step S75).

If an object is touching, the IC 18 detects all of the objects touchingthe second detection region 20 b and third detection region 20 c (stepS72). At this time, the width E of the object touching the thirddetection region 20 c crossing over the edge of the touch panel 30 ismeasured (step S73).

Determination is then made as to whether width E<constant α holds (stepS74). Now, the constant α is a fixed value that is stored in the memory8 for comparison to the width E. With the present embodiment, theconstant α is set as 35 mm, but the value of the constant α can bechanged appropriately.

If width E≧constant α holds, all of the touching inputs of the objectthat touch the second detection region 20 b and third detection region20 c are ignored (step S76). On the other hand, if width E<constant αholds, connection is made to the following processing (step S75).

According to the touch panel device 20 relating to an embodimentdescribed above, the shape and size and so forth of the object such as afinger touching the edge of the touch panel unit 20 is detected, anddetermination is made as to whether or not the operation is intended bythe user, based on changes to the shape and so forth of the detectedobject. Therefore, operations such as gripping the portable terminal 1are not accepted, and operations not intended by the user can beprevented.

Now, with the first detection processing, determination is made that theoperation is intended in the case that the width of the object crossingover the edge of the touch panel unit 30 is greater than the width ofthe object on the touch panel unit 30. Therefore, erroneous operationsfrom unintended operations where the finger of the holding hand has beenplaced on the edge of the touch panel unit 30 can be reduced.

Also, with the second detection processing, the widths in the X- andY-directions of the object approaching the touch panel unit 30 arefound, and determination is made that the operation is unintended in thecase that the width in the X- or Y-direction is greater than thepredetermined value, or in the case that the ratio of the widths in theX- and Y-directions are greater than the predetermined value. Therefore,the size and shape of the objects approaching the edge of the touchpanel unit 30 are more accurately detected, and erroneous operations canbe prevented.

Also, with the third detection processing, as a result of detectingmultiple times the touch of the object approaching the touch panel unit30, the movement of the center of gravity of the object is detected,whereby operation input by actions not intended such as the center ofgravity of the object moving outside the touch panel unit 30 can beignored.

Also, with the fourth detection processing, the touching pattern of theobject approaching the touch panel unit 30 is found, and in the case ofbeing other than predetermined patterns, the operation input is ignored.Therefore, unintended operations being performed when the user grips theportable terminal 1 can be prevented.

2. Modifications

Note that with the above-described embodiment, an example is describedwherein hardware performs control so that the IC 18 provided to a touchpanel device 20 calculates center of gravity position of the object,based on an output distribution of capacitance values, and determinationis made as to whether the input operation of the object is valid orinvalid, but the touch panel device 20 may be used just for detecting atouch. In this case, the IC 18 just outputs the capacitance values ofthe touch panel unit 30. The control unit 3 provided by the portableterminal 1 calculates the center of gravity position of the object atthe position where the object is approaching the screen of the touchpanel unit 30, based on the output distribution of the capacitancevalues, and determines from the center of gravity position of the objectwhether the input operation of the object is valid or invalid. Thus theprocessing accepted by the IC 18 is executed by the control unit 3 asprocessing on the OS, whereby similar advantages can be obtained as withthe above-described embodiment.

[Modification of Processing to Find Center of Gravity Position]

Now, a method to calculate the threshold used to extract data forcalculating the center of gravity position will be described. Accordingto the present disclosure, the threshold can be changed according toinformation (parameters) obtained from the shape of the outputdistribution of capacitance values obtained with the touch panelscanning unit 19 (see FIG. 1).

The object of performing such control is to calculate the optimal centerof gravity position regardless of the size of object that is near, andto accurately as possible find the position (coordinates) of theoperation input by the user. By detecting the coordinates of theposition that the object is approaching as the center of gravityposition, precision in determining whether or not the input operation bythe user is intended can be improved.

In order to do so, “data appropriate for calculating the center ofgravity position” should be extracted, and calculations for the centerof gravity position made using the values therein. The inventors of thepresent disclosure noticed that “data appropriate for calculating thecenter of gravity position” can be defined using features of thedistribution shape of the capacitance values. A distribution shape thatis easy to calculate center of gravity position is a shape satisfyingthe following two conditions.

(1) A shape that is close to a triangle

(2) The base having a certain width or greater

The shape of (1) is obtained at a location where there is a peak in(near) the center thereof, and the differences in signal levels obtainedbetween the electrodes are great. The “base” shown in (2) indicates thehorizontal width of the location which is the same value as thethreshold in a distribution shape of capacitance values. The optimalvalue of these values changes according to the disposal spacing (pitch)between the rectangular transparent electrode units 40X and therectangular transparent electrode units 40Y (see FIG. 3). Specifically,in the case that the pitch between the various electrodes X-Y is 5 mm,if the width is set to 5 mm, we understand that the center of gravitycan be optimally calculated. In the description below, this width iscalled “optimal threshold width”.

In which of the distribution shapes of capacitance values actuallydetected the optimal distribution shape for calculating such a center ofgravity position will appear changes depending on the size of theapproaching object. In other words, the location where the “distributionshape optimal for calculating the center of gravity position” can beextracted can be identified based on information of the distributionshape of the capacitance values actually detected, which changesdepending on the size of the object. By setting the threshold at thelocation thereof, data optimal for calculating the center of gravityposition can be extracted.

Of the information obtained from the distribution shapes of thecapacitance values, FIG. 28 is a descriptive diagram showing informationthought to contribute to the identification of “distribution shapeoptimal for calculating the center of gravity position”. The horizontalaxis in FIG. 28 shows the X-direction of the X-Y transparent electrodepattern unit 31 (see FIG. 2), and the vertical axis shows the size ofthe signal levels of the capacitance values detected. The distributionof the capacitance values shown in FIG. 28 is obtained when the objectwith a diameter of 7 mm, presumably an index finger, approaches.

A maximum height Hm indicates the height of a location where thecapacitance values in the distribution shape is the highest, and of thecapacitance values that change when an object nears, the width Wm of thebase indicates the width in the X-direction (or Y direction) at alocation where the signal level is lowest. The on-threshold width Wtindicates a horizontal width of a portion wherein the signal levelthereof is the same value as a contact determining threshold Th1, and anoptimal threshold width Wb indicates a width considered to be optimal asa horizontal width of the portion having the same value as a thresholdTh2. An optimal threshold height Hb indicates a height from the basepoint wherein the signal level is lowest (the point wherein the width Wmon the base if formed) up to the optimal threshold width Wb.

As a specific method to extract the “distribution shape optimal forcalculating the center of gravity position” using the variousparameters, i.e. to perform optimization of the threshold Th2, the threemethods below may be given.

(Method 1) Adjust the optimal threshold height Hb according to the sizeof the base width Wm.

(Method 2) Adjust the optimal threshold height Hb so that the optimalthreshold width Wb (first width) is the same value as the width set withan index finger as a model (e.g., 5 mm), by integrating the capacitancevalues from the base.

(Method 3) Adjust the optimal threshold height Hb based on informationof the curve angle in the distribution shape.

Note that the methods for performing optimization of the threshold Th2are not limited to these, and other methods may be used as long as themethod can extract the “distribution shape optimal for calculating thecenter of gravity position”.

FIG. 29 is a descriptive diagram showing the detection width of objectsin the X-direction (horizontal direction) and Y-direction (verticaldirection) of the touch panel unit 30 and the relations of such types ofobjects.

Now, an example applying the Method 1 will be described, based on anexample of a frequency distribution of a stylus pen, finger of a child,index finger of a normal size, thumb of a normal size, and large thumbas detected objects approaching the touch panel unit 30. The diameter ofthe stylus pen is smaller than 1 mm, and the diameter of the finger of achild is contained within a range of 3 to 7 mm. Also, the diameter ofthe index finger of a normal size is approximately 7 mm, the diameter ofa thumb of normal size is approximately 20 mm, and the diameter of alarge thumb is approximately 20 mm×30 mm.

Now, in the event of detecting an object, the optimal threshold width Wbis set as 5 mm as a general experimental value. Note that as to the basewidth Wm, a threshold may be provided a short distance from the surfaceof the touch panel unit 30 in order to remove influence such as noisethat occurs near the surface of the touch panel unit 30, and the base ofthe detected distribution exceeding the threshold thereof may be set asa base width Wm.

As shown in FIG. 29, the detection distribution changes according to thesize of various objects approaching the touch panel unit 30. The optimalthreshold value Wb for calculating the center of gravity is moved up anddown matching positions in the detection distribution that are 5 mm, tofind the optimal threshold height Hb, and the center of gravity ofobjects in the optimal threshold value height Hb is calculated. Thus,the center of gravity position of an object can be found.

Note that the series of processing according to the above-describedembodiment can be executed with a computer which has a program making upsoftware that is built into dedicated hardware, or a computer that has aprogram for executing various types of functions installed therein.

Also, a storage medium having stored program code for the software torealize the functions of the above-described embodiment may be suppliedto a system or device. Also, it goes without saying that the functionscan be realized by a computer of such system or device (or controldevice such as CPU) reading out and executing the program code stored inthe storage medium.

A storage medium used to supply a program code in this case may be, forexample, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk,CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, and soforth.

Also, by executing the program code read out by the computer, thefunctions of the above-described embodiment are realized. Additionally,based on instruction by the program code thereof, a portion or all ofthe actual processing is performed by the OS or the like operating onthe computer. Cases wherein the functions of the above-describedembodiment are realized by the processing thereof are also included.

Also, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is notrestricted to the above-described embodiment, and that other types ofapplication examples and modifications can be made within the scope andessence of the Claims of the present disclosure. Accordingly, oneskilled in the art will understand as a matter of course that variousmodifications, combinations, and other embodiments may be made fromdesign or other elements, within the scope of the Claims or theequivalent of the Claims.

Note that the present disclosure can also assume configurations such asthe following.

(1) A touch panel device comprising:

a touch panel that detects a touch input, the touch panel including aplurality of electrodes arrayed in X and Y directions; and

circuitry configured to

-   -   calculate a first width corresponding an object approaching the        touch panel based on an output distribution of capacitance        values from the touch panel; and    -   determine whether an input operation corresponding to the object        is valid based on the calculated first width of the object.

(2) The touch panel device of (1), wherein

the circuitry is configured to detect a change in the calculated firstwidth of the object based on an output distribution of capacitancevalues from the touch panel over a period of time.

(3) The touch panel device of (2), wherein

the circuitry is configured to determine whether an input operationcorresponding to the object is valid based on the detected change in thefirst width of the object.

(4) The touch panel device of any of (1) to (3), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   calculate, as the first width corresponding to the object, a        width of the object approaching an edge of the touch panel in a        direction substantially parallel to the edge of the touch panel;        and    -   calculate, as a second width corresponding to the object, a        width of the object crossing over the edge of the touch panel        based on an output distribution of capacitance values from the        touch panel.

(5) The touch panel device of (4), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   compare the first width with the second width; and    -   determine whether the input operation corresponding to the        object if valid based on the comparison between the first and        second widths.

(6) The touch panel device of (5), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   determine that the input operation is valid when the first width        is greater than the second width; and    -   determine that the input operation is invalid when the first        width is less than the second width.

(7) The touch panel device of any of (4) to (6), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   determine whether the second width is greater than zero; and    -   compare the first width with the second width, and determine        whether the input operation corresponding to the object if valid        based on the comparison between the first and second widths only        when the second width is greater than zero.

(8) The touch panel device of (1), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   calculate, as the first width corresponding to the object, a        width of the object approaching the touch panel in the X        direction; and    -   calculate, as a second width corresponding to the object, a        width of the object approaching the touch panel in the Y        direction.

(9) The touch panel device of (8), wherein

the circuitry is configured to determine whether the operationcorresponding to the object is valid based on a comparison of the firstand second widths to a first predetermined threshold value and acomparison of a ratio corresponding to the first and second widths to asecond predetermined threshold value.

(10) The touch panel device of any of any of (8) and (9), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   compare the first width to a predetermined threshold value; and    -   determine that the operation corresponding to the object is        invalid when the first width is greater than the predetermined        threshold value.

(11) The touch panel device of (10), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   compare the second width to the predetermined threshold value        when it is determined that the first width is less than the        predetermined threshold value; and    -   determine that the operation corresponding to the object is        invalid when the second width is greater than the predetermined        threshold value.

(12) The touch panel device of (11), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   calculate a ratio of the second width and the first width when        it is determined that the second width is less than the        predetermined threshold value; and    -   compare the ratio to a second predetermined threshold value.

(13) The touch panel device of (12) wherein

the circuitry is configured to determine that the operationcorresponding to the object is invalid when the ratio is greater thanthe second predetermined threshold value and that the operationcorresponding to the object is valid when the ratio is less than thesecond predetermined threshold value.

(14) The touch panel device of (4), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   compare the first width with the second width;    -   recalculate the first and second widths when the first width is        greater than the second width; and    -   determine that the that input operation is invalid when the        first width is less than the second width.

(15) The touch panel device of (14), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   compare the recalculated first and second widths;    -   determine that the that input operation is invalid when the        recalculated first width is less than the recalculated second        width; and    -   determine whether a center of gravity corresponding to the        object has changed when the recalculated first width is greater        than the recalculated second width.

(16) The touch panel device of (15), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   determine that the operation corresponding to the object is        valid when the center of gravity corresponding to the object has        not changed; and    -   determine that the operation corresponding to the object is        invalid when the center of gravity corresponding to the object        has changed.

(17) The touch panel device of (1), wherein

the touch panel is divided into at least a first detection region and asecond detection region, the second detection region surrounding aperiphery of the first detection region.

(18) The touch panel device of (17), wherein

the circuitry is configured to

-   -   calculate, as the first width corresponding to the object, a        width of the object crossing a boundary between the first and        second detection regions;    -   compare the first width to a predetermined threshold value; and    -   determine whether an input operation corresponding to the object        is valid based on the comparison.

(19) A method performed by a touch panel device, the method comprising:

detecting a touch input at a touch panel including a plurality ofelectrodes arrayed in X and Y directions;

calculating, by circuitry, a width corresponding an object approachingthe touch panel based on an output distribution of capacitance valuesfrom the touch panel; and

determining, by the circuitry, whether an input operation correspondingto the object is valid based on the calculated width of the object.

(20). A non-transitory computer-readable medium includingcomputer-program instructions, which when executed by a touch paneldevice, causes the touch panel device to perform a method comprising:

detecting a touch input at a touch panel including a plurality ofelectrodes arrayed in X and Y directions;

calculating a width corresponding an object approaching the touch panelbased on an output distribution of capacitance values from the touchpanel; and

determining whether an input operation corresponding to the object isvalid based on the calculated width of the object.

1. A touch panel device comprising: a touch panel that detects a touchinput, the touch panel including a plurality of electrodes arrayed in Xand Y directions; and circuitry configured to calculate a first widthcorresponding an object approaching the touch panel based on an outputdistribution of capacitance values from the touch panel; and determinewhether an input operation corresponding to the object is valid based onthe calculated first width of the object.
 2. The touch panel device ofclaim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to detect a change in thecalculated first width of the object based on an output distribution ofcapacitance values from the touch panel over a period of time.
 3. Thetouch panel device of claim 2, wherein the circuitry is configured todetermine whether an input operation corresponding to the object isvalid based on the detected change in the first width of the object. 4.The touch panel device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configuredto calculate, as the first width corresponding to the object, a width ofthe object approaching an edge of the touch panel in a directionsubstantially parallel to the edge of the touch panel; and calculate, asa second width corresponding to the object, a width of the objectcrossing over the edge of the touch panel based on an outputdistribution of capacitance values from the touch panel.
 5. The touchpanel device of claim 4, wherein the circuitry is configured to comparethe first width with the second width; and determine whether the inputoperation corresponding to the object if valid based on the comparisonbetween the first and second widths.
 6. The touch panel device of claim5, wherein the circuitry is configured to determine that the inputoperation is valid when the first width is greater than the secondwidth; and determine that the input operation is invalid when the firstwidth is less than the second width.
 7. The touch panel device of claim4, wherein the circuitry is configured to determine whether the secondwidth is greater than zero; and compare the first width with the secondwidth, and determine whether the input operation corresponding to theobject if valid based on the comparison between the first and secondwidths only when the second width is greater than zero.
 8. The touchpanel device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured tocalculate, as the first width corresponding to the object, a width ofthe object approaching the touch panel in the X direction; andcalculate, as a second width corresponding to the object, a width of theobject approaching the touch panel in the Y direction.
 9. The touchpanel device of claim 8, wherein the circuitry is configured todetermine whether the operation corresponding to the object is validbased on a comparison of the first and second widths to a firstpredetermined threshold value and a comparison of a ratio correspondingto the first and second widths to a second predetermined thresholdvalue.
 10. The touch panel device of claim 8, wherein the circuitry isconfigured to compare the first width to a predetermined thresholdvalue; and determine that the operation corresponding to the object isinvalid when the first width is greater than the predetermined thresholdvalue.
 11. The touch panel device of claim 10, wherein the circuitry isconfigured to compare the second width to the predetermined thresholdvalue when it is determined that the first width is less than thepredetermined threshold value; and determine that the operationcorresponding to the object is invalid when the second width is greaterthan the predetermined threshold value.
 12. The touch panel device ofclaim 11, wherein the circuitry is configured to calculate a ratio ofthe second width and the first width when it is determined that thesecond width is less than the predetermined threshold value; and comparethe ratio to a second predetermined threshold value.
 13. The touch paneldevice of claim 12, wherein the circuitry is configured to determinethat the operation corresponding to the object is invalid when the ratiois greater than the second predetermined threshold value and that theoperation corresponding to the object is valid when the ratio is lessthan the second predetermined threshold value.
 14. The touch paneldevice of claim 4, wherein the circuitry is configured to compare thefirst width with the second width; recalculate the first and secondwidths when the first width is greater than the second width; anddetermine that the that input operation is invalid when the first widthis less than the second width.
 15. The touch panel device of claim 14,wherein the circuitry is configured to compare the recalculated firstand second widths; determine that the that input operation is invalidwhen the recalculated first width is less than the recalculated secondwidth; and determine whether a center of gravity corresponding to theobject has changed when the recalculated first width is greater than therecalculated second width.
 16. The touch panel device of claim 15,wherein the circuitry is configured to determine that the operationcorresponding to the object is valid when the center of gravitycorresponding to the object has not changed; and determine that theoperation corresponding to the object is invalid when the center ofgravity corresponding to the object has changed.
 17. The touch paneldevice of claim 1, wherein the touch panel is divided into at least afirst detection region and a second detection region, the seconddetection region surrounding a periphery of the first detection region.18. The touch panel device of claim 17, wherein the circuitry isconfigured to calculate, as the first width corresponding to the object,a width of the object crossing a boundary between the first and seconddetection regions; compare the first width to a predetermined thresholdvalue; and determine whether an input operation corresponding to theobject is valid based on the comparison.
 19. A method performed by atouch panel device, the method comprising: detecting a touch input at atouch panel including a plurality of electrodes arrayed in X and Ydirections; calculating, by circuitry, a width corresponding an objectapproaching the touch panel based on an output distribution ofcapacitance values from the touch panel; and determining, by thecircuitry, whether an input operation corresponding to the object isvalid based on the calculated width of the object.
 20. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium including computer-program instructions, whichwhen executed by a touch panel device, causes the touch panel device toperform a method comprising: detecting a touch input at a touch panelincluding a plurality of electrodes arrayed in X and Y directions;calculating a width corresponding an object approaching the touch panelbased on an output distribution of capacitance values from the touchpanel; and determining whether an input operation corresponding to theobject is valid based on the calculated width of the object.